Dr. Athey’s research contributes to the understanding of non-chemical insect control within specialty crops systems. Her research combines field research with molecular gut content analysis to study practical insect control applications and arthropod food webs.
Swede Midge Management Through Trap Cropping
Our lab is investigating whether trap crop can successfully control swede midge in collard production. Read more by clicking here.
Pests in IL High Tunnels
Our ultimate goal is to develop management recommendations for insect pests in high tunnel cropping systems that increase the sustainability of our local food supply. Read more here.
Robot Integrated High Tunnels (RobInHighTs) project
iSEE seed-funds project on high tunnel farming with robotics. Read more here. (We are looking for a grad student for this project! Check out our Contact Us page!)
Biocontrol in High Tunnel Systems
Our lab has been investigating biological control in high tunnel vegetable production at the Dixon Springs Agricultural Center and the University of Illinois Sustainable Student Farm.
Squash Bug and Cucurbit Yellow Vine Decline
Recently, Iowa and Illinois have confirmed the presence of cucurbit yellow vine decline (CYVD), a disease that causes yellowing, wilting, and potential death of infected pumpkin and squash. Read more by clicking here.
Plum Curculio In Illinois
Graduate student, Karuna Kafle, studies the life cycle, insecticide resistance genes, and pesticide application timings in plum curculio, with the goal of developing sustainable pest management practices for commercial growers. Read the extension publication about plum curculio here.
Effects of Cover Crops and Cut Flower Strips on Insect Pests and Biocontrol in High Tunnels
We investigate whether the introduction of cut flower strips do a net positive or net negative with respect to insect pest and predator numbers in high tunnels.